Well, i finally got the '97 OBW with 286k miles to a shop after the idler pulley blew apart and bascially took a chance to put it back together with another pulley and a new timing belt without inspecting the valves. The mechanic thought perhaps one valve was bent after he put it back together because it seemed to run with a miss. But i just drove it home and it runs just like she did before the pulley went. After everyone's advice guessing that 95% of the time the valves get bent i guess I'm one of the lucky ones. Now we have our winter AWD vehicle back. Thanks to Dave Spillers for his advice and used parts to keep her on the road.

 

Tdog

Like to hear good news. Glad you got your car back on the road again.

Good for you! I was hoping mine didn't bend, but they did. The car was moving down the road at 75 pretty good though.

Tracy,

 

I wondered how you were making out as I was moving parts around the garage over the weekend and threw out a pile of timing belts.

 

Yes - you were lucky.

 

Glad we were able to figure out what you really needed and that you could get it back on the road without a major repair bill.

 

Lucky, I'm not a lottery player - but you should consider it.

 

Happy to help.